[Vesicant]

Please avoid 1997 - 1998 (and some 99) models, they are the epitome of this car.

Apparently most of these problems pertain to this year(s)...

1. Valve cover gasket leaks
2. Alignment Problems
3. Oil Cooler leak , resulting in oil in the coolant
4. Electrical Problems
5. Transmission electronic problems
6. Engine Pulley/Camshaft Pulley tensioner
7. Water Pump
8. A/C Pump Seizing
9. ABS/Traction Control module persistant problems
10. Emissions Control Equipment

To anyone who is considering these years (and some 1999); I and many others strongly reccomend you walk away from the car and save yourself not only money but fustration and time taken away. Ask any owner here, and every single one of them will have had either electrical, mechanical or engine problems. Because of Cadillac backing away from this certian model of car, support is almost non-existant in the United States. Most now rely on (from the dealer) remanufactured parts shipped in from Germany or England at a PREMIUM price because they have to be made specially for our US version car, some may products not even be made and have to be reproduced from blueprint. Ontop of this, shipping costs are outrageous- not to mention the surcharges the mechanic will strap on. When you get done bankrupting your account the parts are installed by stubborn Cadillac dealers and their mechanics not wanting to deal with your car, which usually results in a terrible job done. Most have no option but to go to a dealer because they have the knowledge and correct databases to work on your car whereas average mechanic shops do not.

The good news is that any model 1999-2001 are practically flawless as far as these major problems go. Restructuring and a redesign of the car's internals and externals resulted in much better results. Any other problems with these years, are common failures that can happen to any make/model. Parts availability and professional help "resistance", are still hampering this car no matter what year. The 3.0 engine, known for having oil cooler leakages in this automobile; is also used in the Saturn L-Series and the base Cadillac CTS (3.2L-Same engine). Apparently the same oil leak problem the Catera has, has also shown up in these engines alike. Which means that more support is available for this problem.